Ch
a/n I do not own it – but I do own my crazy thoughts and ideas.
I apologize for not working on this fic. I wasn't feeling it and rather than give you something bad, I waited. So, here it goes.
Christmas Day
Bella POV
It's been two weeks, but I'm feeling better everyday. Thank God my family and friends were around to help me get through this. Alice and Rose have been really great. I never imagined in a million years that we would be as close as we are now. Alice and Rose are sisters by blood, but I can consider them as my soul sisters. They helped me cry all the pain and agony I had in my heart. They helped me realize that life must go on and that no matter what, I would have them in my life.
Emmett and Jasper – well what can I say about them? I accepted them as my true brothers – the big brothers I had always wanted. They held me in their arms with soothing and loving words. They made me laugh and they helped me take my anger out (they took me to kickboxing every day). They gave me hope and they provided undying love. I loved them so much and I told the girls how lucky they were to have two wonderful men as their husbands.
All four of my new found "brothers" and 'sisters' reminded me that Edward was there waiting for me. They had told me how at first they were against the idea of Edward falling for me, but since working out his thoughts and problems, he had changed. Mina also helped him change and the family notice a caring and loving Edward. The selfish and arrogant Edward didn't exist anymore. During this time, Edward gave me space to think but he came to visit often to talk and to visit Mina. He became a closer friend that I could ever imagine, but I didn't see him in a brotherly fashion either.
I got all my shopping done via internet. Yesterday, I had actually escaped from my family to go pick up my parents gift, Esme and Carlisle's gift, Mina's gifts and Edwards gift. I actually got something very special for Edward after speaking to Alice and Rosalie one night. I hope it doesn't turn him off.
"Bella, are you up?" It was Alice and Emmett. Emmett was carrying Mina.
"Yes, please come in."
All of a sudden they both jumped on me and Mina was giggling in Emmett's arms. "Merry Christmas my dear brother and sister." We all held each other and the silence was warming and it just provided love to each other. Mina smiled at me and I gave her my eskimo kisses. She giggled.
"So how is my little princess this beautiful Christmas morning?"
Alice looked at me smiling "You are in a good mood Bella."
"I am. Finally! I mean I will never forget Demetri but I have to slowly move on."
Emmett gently swiped my tear on my right cheek. "Did you dream of him again?"
"Yes I did. It was so real guys. He came to me again but in my living room. He told me that he would always protect me and love me but it was time for him to go. He wanted me to go on with my life and to fall for Edward. He continued telling me that Edward was a good man and he was destined to my eternal love. He gave me a kiss on the cheek and he left."
Alice was astounded. "So do you think you will ever see him again?"
"I don't think so." I smiled.
Alice asked then "Why are you smiling?"
"He told me that Edward was going to love my gift to him and not to worry."
As I finished saying that my parents came in and enveloped me in their arms. We all chimed merry christmas. We were all going to go up to Esme and Carlisle's apartment for Christmas breakfast. We all had decided not to worry about getting dressed but Alice made sure we all had nice Christmas pajamas.
As I went to brush my teeth and brush my hair in a ponytail, Alice called her parents to see if they were ready for us – which they were. Rosalie and Edward were helping Esme with breakfast. Angie, Brad and the kids were getting ready to come up and George and Jasper were getting all the gifts upstairs. Brad's parents had stayed with his sister this year but they would meet up later in January. George's parents were with us this year and were enjoying Carlisle's company.
I had Mina in my arms as we all started to go up to the apartment. Mum carried pastries we had made the night before and dad, Alice and Emmett carried the gifts we had for everyone. I entered into the apartment when I was attacked with hugs by Esme and then Rosalie. I received hugs from Carlisle and Jasper right before they went downstairs to help Emmett get the rest of the gifts my parents and I had under my tree. George picked me up and gave me a heart warming hug reminding me how much we meant to each other. I greeted then his parents as well.
Edward was the last person since he was in the kitchen helping Esme.
"Merry Christmas Edward."
He smiled and jogged over to me. I don't know how it happened or why it happened, but he placed his hands on both of my cheeks and kissed them so lovingly. He looked into my eyes and I noticed his love for me and my heart skipped a beat.
"Merry Christmas my Bella. You look so beautiful."
"Thank you Edward."
"How is Mina today?"
"As always, she is an angel Edward. Just simply – an angel."
He enveloped both of us in a tender embrace filled with so much care and so much love. It felt like we were in another world and we didn't notice Esme and Carlisle and my parents looking at us as they held each other in their arms. As we separated, I followed our embrace with a tender kiss on Edward's cheek and just quietly whispered "Thank you Edward – for everything."
He smiled.
Jasper POV
The festivities continued. Edward, Rosalie, Esme and Tanya prepared breakfast as we all were talking to each other. I looked at Bella just staring into Mina's eyes and whispering to her. My little sister seemed to be a little better – she seemed happier. I know she had been talking a lot to Alice and Rosalie and she has been letting go a lot of her anger and sadness. I know she had been dreaming about Demetri and I was hoping that he would let her go soon. If she was going to start her life again, he needed to let her go.
Angie, Brad and the kids arrived and the noise level went up a decibel. Bella had been sitting on the floor with Emmett when the kids came in and they went straight to her and attacked her. Luckily, Emmett took Mina in his arms just in time, because Bella tumbled on her back. She laughed so hard because the kids were tickling her and asking for their rasberry kisses. It was so heartwarming to hear Bella's laugh. It was so loud that everyone came into the room to see what was going on. Maddox and Pax had her on one side and Z and Shiloh had her on the other side – tickling Bella. Then Jacob, Leah, Billy and Jakey came in and they started to laugh. Jakey wiggled out of Leah's arms and ran to join the fun. We all laughed again since Jakey was starting to talk and his first words were Bella. It was the first time in a long time that we felt normalcy again.
Esme POV
We finally finished breakfast and everyone ate and ate and laughed. The kids and Bella were on the floor eating and laughing with the kids. Tanya and I kept looking at Bella finally having fun in her life. She had a hard time the first few days, but after talking, crying, breaking things, yelling and just breaking down, she was finally better. When I saw how Edward and Bella interacted this morning, it brought me tears of joy to see that maybe these two wonderful kids will be together. I could only hope and pray that all will come true.
When we finished eating, we began the gift opening. Bella held Mina as Emmett and Alice distributed the gifts to everyone. The young kids were overjoyed with all their gifts. I was amazed at all my kids gifts, but I was so amazed at what Bella had given my Carlisle and me – two tickets to an all-inclusive cruise in Greece. I protested and she just gave me a smile and stuck her tongue out. I just laughed. She loved us so much. She gave her parents the cruise they had been wanting for the longest time – a two week all inclusive trip to Alaska. Her parents went and enveloped her in their arms and cried. She just kept saying that she would never have enough to repay them for all their love.
The grown up kids started to open up their gifts. The next to last person to open his gift was Edward. Everyone was so happy with their gifts, but no one imagined Bella's gift to Edward.
Edward POV
Bella's gift to each of my brothers and sisters were amazing. Bella gave Emmett Seahawks season tickets for the 2010-2011 season. She gave Alice and Rosalie a year membership at their favorita spa and both the girls screamed and jumped on her little body. Poor Mina got caught up and started to protest. That's my girl.
We were so surprised at how Jasper reacted towards Bella after he opened his gift. He picked Mina up and gave her to me so he could take Bella on his lap and just hold her tightly thanking her quietly. She gave him two plane tickets for him and Alice to go see the ruins of Greece. He was such a history dreamer and wanted to go so much. She wanted to give him this opportunity to live out his dream with Alice.
I started to open my gifts as Bella held Mina again. She was sweet talking her as I opened my gifts from my family. When it came to my gift from her, I was surprised to the big box. I opened it and there were several boxes inside. The first one was a trip to New York City to meet and learn from one of the best composer and pianist, Keith Jarrett. I was amazed at this opportunity. She gave me several composition books so I could continue writing music. The last gift is what opened my heart to our future.
She gave me a ring – a Claddagh ring. She wrote a small note in the box.
Dear Edward,
I know it is too soon, but Demetri has reminded me so many times that life is too short and to start living again. After much soul searching, I would like to our relationship to be taken slow. Please accept this ring as a promise to start anew. This ring has been in my dad's family over the years and my dad lovingly gave it to me so I could promise you a future together. "The Claddagh"is a symbol of love, friendship and loyalty. The hands of the ring are shown holding the heart and the hands denote friendship and togetherness, the heart itself signifies love and the crown in the claddagh ring stands for loyalty. The deep and true meaning of the Irish claddagh rings has also put them into a group of rings referred to as the faith rings.
I ask you – if you are willing – to wear it on your right hand with heart facing away from you. When worn in this manner, it means that a person is willing to consider love or a relationship. The person is showing the world that their heart is open to love, as it has not yet been won over.
If you do not wish to wear it, please return it to my father and our friendship will continue.
Let's take it one day at a time. Time heal all wounds and I look forward to the future with you and Mina.
Sincerely and hoping – Bella
She was going to give me an opportunity. I couldn't believe it – she was going to give me the honor to be her love in the future. My Bella was going to allow it.
Everyone was quiet. They had no idea. Emmett broke the silence "Edward – what is it?"
I couldn't stop myself. I got up, picked Bella up and placed her on my lap and held her closely and gently with Mina in between us. I placed the ring as she indicated and she smiled. I gave her loving kisses on her cheeks and whispered in her ear "Thank you my Bella. Thank you for allowing me in and I will show you how much I love you everyday in our lives." She smiled and we just gave each other an Eskimo kiss and smiled.